Canadian cheese and comfort food

function changeImg(url,image,_link,_image){ _image.src = "/english/images/cheese/20031117/" + image + ".jpg"; _link.href = url; } Gone are the days when you had to work for weeks preparing holiday get-togethers. Nowadays, simplicity reigns for every occasion. With the Christmas Season right around the corner, we offer you a variety of truly simple ideas for buffets, cocktail parties and brunches. And with a nice assortment of Canadian cheese and a bit of planning, it will help you create a menu that’s irresistible.

The countdown
To simplify your holiday preparations, base your menu around dishes that can be frozen or refrigerated, and entail a minimum of cooking on the day you entertain. Up to one month in advance, cook anything that can be frozen, such as quiches, breaded Parmesan, tart shells, tiny crêpes for stuffing, stock and soup.

A few days in advance, buy your Canadian cheese and prepare toppings and garnishes: dips, mousses, dressings, spreads, pesto, chutney, etc. Cut, chop and peel all the ingredients you will need to cook at the last minute.

On the day itself, put together your sandwiches, salads and hors d'oeuvres, and prepare your cheese tray. Defrost and, where necessary, reheat dishes. Do your last-minute cooking. And don't forget to take time to breathe.

Create a brilliant buffet
A few well-chosen dishes will have more of an impact than many different ones. Don't do everything yourself. Make things easier by buying a few dishes from a caterer.

Plan your buffet like a meal—appetizer, main course, cheese and dessert. Arrange dishes in this order on the buffet.

Use what you have on hand to spice up the presentation (like cutting boards made out of marble, wood or brightly coloured plastic, a wok, glass bowls, bamboo steamers and a pie plate lined with a Christmassy napkin for dry food).

Happy Holidays!
Canadian Cheese.
Gotta love it.

Cheesy recipes
	• Feta Christmas Balls • Marinated Shrimp with Triple-Cream Brie • Pear and Bocconcini with Cranberry and Balsamic Vinegar Jam

Helpful Hints and Tasty tips
	• Elevate your buffet • Edible bowls • Take a "bough" • 5-Star Service

Cocktail Recipes
	• Spicy Cheddar Spread • Surprise Gouda Canapés • Provolone Antipasto • Mushrooms Stuffed with Swiss Cheese • Brunch - Nests with Ham, Eggs and Swiss Cheese • Layered Cheese Terrine • Spiced honey tarts with Oka • Chocolate Pots made with Evaporated Milk

Cheesy Gifts
	• Ready to please • Quick spread • Cheese-tasting kit

Cheese chooser
	• Find out how to serve your favourite cheese

Wines + cheeses
	• Wine and cheese are excellent accomplices, whatever the occasion. Get some advice and a few suggestions to help you better appreciate this merry union.